Realtor thanks first responders after Christmas fire

(LAWRENCEBURG, Ind.) – A local real estate office is thanking first responders following a fire that heavily damaged three businesses on Christmas morning. 

The fire occurred on State Line Road across from the Hidden Valley Lake entrance around 10 a.m. Thursday. 

Firefighters say it began in Denese’s Boutique, which just opened in the past month, and then spread to the Sibcy Cline Realtors office as well as Civista Bank. 

The boutique and Sibcy Cline were destroyed while the Civista branch was heavily damaged.

Jessica Mueller is a realtor with Sibcy Cline and said, “We are so grateful for the firefighters and first responders who had to rush out on Christmas morning and thankful that they remained safe and no one was in any of the offices."

There were 10 different agencies and 70 firefighters that responded to the fire.

Greendale Fire Chief Shannon Craig also thanked the emergency workers who responded that morning. 

“I am sure many of them were sitting around a tree getting ready to open gifts or having breakfast with family. But, they all dropped what they’re doing to be here and battle this fire,” Craig said on Thursday.

Mueller and her family have worked in that real estate building for more than 25 years and although the building was destroyed, business will continue as normal. 

“I want all of my clients - past, present, and future - to know that business will continue as normal, with no delays in your service,” Mueller said. 

The property has been under 24/7 security since the fire out of a precaution.